How did you discover CrossFit?
Through a friend of a friend one day after doing a running / Obstacle race so I decided to investigate further and eventually found the one and only CFJ 2 minutes from our offices
What were you doing sport/exercise wise before CrossFit?
Just some running and normal gym exercises.
How long have you been training at CrossFit Jozi for?
Since May 2011 – Started on a 3 day per week programme and last year kicked it up a notch to unlimited which was the best decision ever!
Favourite CrossFit exercise?
I love Olympic lifting, I could do it for hours!
Most disliked CrossFit exercise?
I suck at wall balls, can’t say I dislike it though.
What changes in your health, physique, performance and mental wellbeing have you noticed since starting CrossFit?
CrossFit has changed me as a person completely, I am more focused than ever before. It drives me to do better in all aspects of life and I feel I have a different outlook on life and how to approach situations. It has changed my lifestyle for the better – I try to be as disciplined as I can now.
I have gained a lot more muscle mass overall, but most importantly my performance improvements are scary – especially strength. Being a small guy that is one of my big weaknesses I’ve had to attack and just by following the programming consistently and putting in extra work on weaknesses the strength gains have improved more than I expected in such a short time.
What advice would you give to someone with regards to starting CrossFit?
Rome wasn’t built in a day, so be patient and have faith in your coaches and the programming at CFJ. There are many movements in CrossFit and to be able to do all of them at the level required takes so much patience and time ( Unless you’re SuperHuman :-)) . There is so much we all have to learn and improve on which is what makes CrossFit so awesome!
It’s a life changing experience so go for it, it can only make you a better person.
Oh and Get involved in the CrossFit Games Open starting in just over a month!
What is one word that people often use to describe you?
Competitive
What is something we would be surprised to know about you?
I used to be a beach bum living in Thailand. Like a full on beach bum… No Jokes!!! 😀
Favourite activity outside of CrossFit?
It would have to be CrossFit I guess ha ha. I know it’s bad, but I can’t help it I love it too much!
Pretty much everyday I’m trying to do something with CrossFit, even if it’s just technique or mobility (which is really important by the way). Other then that I make the most of chilling with my family, beautiful girlfriend and our 2 dogs… one of which happens to be named after a famous CrossFitter – Spealler!
Favourite place to eat a Paleo-ish meal in Jozi?
Mongos – Rump steak topped with egg / Ham and steamed veggies on the side Mmmmm!
What are 2 things you will always find in your fridge?
Eggs and Milk
The song that gets you pumped up for a workout:
Currently – ASAP ROCKY – Fu$$ing Problems
The last thing you ate?
Sweet potatoe mixed with Bacon and scrambled eggs.
Proudest accomplishment at CrossFit?
Mixing it up this past weekend with the top guys at Fittest in Cape Town, made it to the final heat and ended up with a top 10 Finish in the end – It was Epic!!!
Which CrossFit Jozi member inspires you the most?
I couldn’t pin point one member, everyone we train with gives it their everything and we all have the same mindset – But I do a lot of my training with Ruby (My brother) and Louis and we bring the best out in each other.
The Coaches at CrossFit Jozi too, they invest a lot of time to every member at the gym… Much respect for them.
What are your goals for the rest of 2012?
I have many goals I would like to accomplish in terms of reaching target weights for lifting but my main goal I have been training for is to qualify for the CrossFit Games Africa Regionals this year and stay in the competition as long as possible to gain the most experience I can.
